Spurs boss says Ruben Amorim has done “a good job” and warns against “incredibly dangerous front three”
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank says he expects a much tougher challenge from Manchester United on Saturday, despite Spurs having beaten them four times last season, including in the Europa League final.
The two sides meet in north London for their first meeting since Tottenham pipped United to the trophy in Bilbao in May.
Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou, the architect of that victory, in the summer and has had an impressive start. Spurs are currently sixth in the table after finishing 17th last season under Postecoglou.
Ruben Amorim’s United have also found some form. They are currently unbeaten in their last four, including a run of three successive wins for the first time in over a year.
“It is a United team with more confidence,” said Frank. “I think Ruben and his coaching staff have done a good job.
“It has obviously been a tough year for them so I admire him a lot for going through such a tricky spell with many setbacks. They are in a moment where they have every key player available.
“We know exactly what to expect from them. They have an incredibly dangerous front three.”
Among that front three is Bryan Mbeumo, who has been one of United’s standout players since joining from Brentford last summer. Frank, who himself was in charge at Brentford up until last summer, coached Mbeumo for six years in west London.
Regarding the forward’s performances for United, Frank said: “I’m not surprised. When you work with a player for six years, you get a close relationship.
“To see him develop from being a young man, 19 years old when he moved to London and Brentford, and then leave six years later to go into one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the way he stepped up.
“For me, looking from the outside, maybe a little bit biased, I think he’s been their best offensive player.”
Spurs’ main concern ahead of the game is the fitness of Mohammed Kudus, who missed the Copenhagen win with a minor muscle issue. Frank said he was a “touch-and-go for tomorrow”.
His team’s struggles at home are a point of focus for the Dane. They have been stellar away but not won a league game in front of their own fans since the opening weekend.
“It is a big shirt to wear,” said Frank. “You should be proud and excited to play in this shirt, whether home or anywhere.
“I can understand that the stats are not too good over a long time. For me, it is a new opportunity and a new one to embrace in the best possible way.”
